Watertown City Court

Traffic Tickets - Infractions Only

This Court has received a Simplified Traffic Information alleging that you have committed a traffic infraction. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty and you have the right to retain an attorney to represent you now, or at any stage in these proceedings.

OPTIONS

Not Guilty Plea
By pleading “Not Guilty” you exercise your right to a public trial at which the People of the State of New York, must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you have committed the offense alleged in the ticket. At the trial you will have the right to hear, see and challenge the evidence submitted including, confronting, by cross-examination, the Police Officer, or other witnesses who testify against you. You have the right to have witnesses testify on your behalf and you may, but are not required to, testify on your own behalf. However, you need not call any witnesses as the People bear the burden of proof and must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. After hearing all of the evidence submitted at the trial, the Judge will determine whether or not the People have proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and will render a decision.

Guilty Plea
By Pleading “Guilty” you waive your right to a trial at which the People of the State of New York, represented by the County District Attorney’s Office, must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense alleged in the accusatory instrument. A Plea of Guilty will subject you to sentencing by the Judge to any legally authorized sentence.

Hire an Attorney
You may want to consult an attorney for guidance or representation before determining which course of action you will pursue.

Write to the District Attorney’s Office concerning an Alternative Disposition
If it is your wish to have the pending charge against you reduced you may contact the District Attorney’s Office by completing the Plea Reduction Form. You will need to read the follow the instructions on the form. You will send the completed form along with a copy of the traffic ticket to the County District Attorney’s Office. Please Note: The District Attorney’s Office is under no obligation to offer reduced charges, nor is the Court obligated to accept the same.

The Court may not provide you with a recommendation as to how you should proceed, or as to which of these or any other options you should choose.

These instructions only apply to infractions. If you are charged with a misdemeanor you must appear for your arraignment.